Are you interested in learning Korean after watching K-dramas and listening to K-pop songs? Or just got fascinated by Korean culture. And now wondering where and how to start your Korean language learning journey in India and if it’s worth the effort? Let’s take a look at how to learn the Korean language in India from my own experience of studying the Korean language.
Table of Contents
Why learn the Korean Language?
Benefits of learning the Korean language in India:
Discover Korean culture:
You can connect with the Korean people and culture by learning the Korean language.
Accelerate career opportunities:
Korean ranks as the fourteenth most widely spoken language in the world, spoken by more than 77 million people as their native language. The number of Korean language learners has remarkably grown in the past several decades beyond the Korean peninsula and overseas thanks to South Korea’s increased global presence, technological innovation, and global popular culture. It’s one of the fastest-growing languages in the world and is the seventh most studied language. This makes the language useful for travel, or business.
Discover Better Career Prospects:
Bilingual employees are more valued in a company. If you learn a second language you may also have a chance to earn more money. So, why learn Korean? Because Korean business relationships are an asset. Korea has the 13th largest economy in the world. Companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG are constantly expanding. If and when your company decides to join Korean investors and markets, your Korean knowledge could put you at the front.
Hallyu or The Korean Wave:
You can understand K-dramas and K-pop songs without the need for translation or subtitles and enjoy Korean entertainment without any problem.
Career opportunities:
If your skills are at par level, you can work as an educational teacher and in Korean companies as an Interpreter and Translator.
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP):
If you want to study in South Korea with a Korean scholarship, learning the Korean language can be helpful since you are required to have a set proficiency in the Korean language to study and live in South Korea. But you can’t be fully dependent on it for the scholarship since there are many other factors responsible for your selection.
How to Learn Korean Easily?
The most important things are to practice regularly, use a variety of learning methods, and be patient with yourself as you build your skills over time. Consistency and immersion are key to becoming proficient in Korean.
Use language learning apps and websites:
Apps like Duolingo, Lingodeer, and Memrise can provide structured lessons and exercises to help you build vocabulary and grammar skills.
Watch Korean TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos:
Immersing yourself in native Korean content is one of the most effective ways to improve your listening comprehension and pick up natural speech patterns.
Listen to Korean music and podcasts:
Regularly exposing yourself to spoken Korean will train your ear and help you get comfortable with the language’s sounds and rhythms.
Find a language partner or tutor:
Practice conversing with a native Korean speaker, in person or through an online platform like HelloTalk. This allows you to get feedback and have real dialogues.
Take a class or join a study group:
Formal instruction, whether in-person or online, can provide a solid foundation in Korean grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
Use flashcards and spaced repetition:
Tools like Anki and YouTube flashcard videos allow you to systematically study and review new words and phrases to reinforce your learning.
Immerse yourself in Korean culture:
Reading, watching, or participating in Korean cultural activities can make the language more engaging and meaningful.
How many months take to learn the Korean language?
That depends on how much you’re learning in a day and the goal you’ve set for yourself. You can learn the beginners Korean in a month or so if you’re regularly giving it time.
Where can I learn the Korean language for free?
Online Websites:
You can learn Korean for free from online websites. There are many websites where you can learn Korean for free. These websites offer various learning resources, such as grammar lessons, vocabulary, audio materials, and even cultural insights. Here are some popular ones:
| Website | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK) | One of the most comprehensive resources for Korean learners. It offers free audio lessons, grammar explanations, and vocabulary lists, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. | Clear and structured lessons, with a focus on conversational Korean. The free resources are extensive, and their podcast-style lessons are highly engaging. | The more advanced content is paid, but there’s still a lot of free material available. |
| How To Study Korean | This site provides detailed grammar lessons, vocabulary lists, and reading exercises. The lessons are organized in units, making it easy to progress. | The lessons are very detailed, focusing heavily on grammar, which makes it great for serious learners. | The format can be text-heavy, which might feel overwhelming for beginners looking for interactive content. |
| KoreanClass101 | Offers podcasts, vocabulary lists, and cultural insights. While much of the content is paid, a lot of beginner-level material, including videos and lessons, is free. | Provides a variety of content types (audio, video, and written). Good for learning both language and culture. | Free content is limited compared to the premium material. |
| 90 Days of Korean | This website offers valuable Korean language posts. | The material is well-structured and organized. | The site has a paid version so that’s a bit hassle but they provide many useful free materials to study the Korean language. |
| Coursera (Yonsei University Korean Courses) | Yonsei University offers free courses on Korean language basics through Coursera. You can access video lessons, quizzes, and reading materials. | University-quality lessons, structured like a formal course. Great for serious learners. | You need to pay for a certificate, but the learning materials and videos are free. |
| LKI School of Korean Language | India-specific platform offering online Korean language courses customized for Indian learners. | Quality information on Korean language for Indian learners. | Free content is limited since there are paid courses to learn Korean language. |
| Sogang Korean Program | This website offers Korean language lessons from Sogang University, with a focus on conversation practice. The lessons are divided into units, covering reading, listening, and speaking. | Great for practicing conversational Korean. The material is well-structured and organized. | The site design is outdated, but the content is still valuable. |
| Korean Wiki Project | A collaborative platform offering grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, and quizzes for learners. | Detailed explanations of grammar points and vocabulary. | The platform is community-driven, so some areas may be more developed than others. |
| LingQ | Provides a variety of authentic Korean texts and audio, allowing you to learn through reading and listening practice. | Excellent for learning through immersion with real content like articles, podcasts, and more. | Free content is somewhat limited; full access requires a subscription. |
These websites offer a range of tools, from structured lessons to vocabulary and conversation practice. Combining resources can greatly help you learn various aspects of the language.
Apps:
You can learn the Korean language from various apps. There are several apps designed to help learners study the Korean language, whether they’re a beginner or more advanced. These apps offer various methods, from vocabulary drills to immersive conversation practice. Here are some popular ones:
Apps Features Pros Cons Podo Podo is a Korean language-learning app designed to help users improve their Korean skills in an interactive and fun way. Podo is a good option for beginners and intermediates who want to learn Korean through a structured and interactive app. Advanced learners or those seeking more interactive speaking practice may need additional resources. Memrise Focuses on vocabulary building with spaced repetition, and includes lessons by native speakers. Effective for memorizing vocabulary. Some courses also teach slang and colloquial expressions. Less emphasis on grammar and sentence structure. Lingodeer Offers Korean lessons with a strong focus on grammar and sentence formation, specifically designed for Asian languages like Korean. Clear explanations of grammar concepts, good for beginners and intermediate learners. Limited free content, premium version required for full access. Duolingo A gamified approach to language learning, with lessons focused on vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar. Free, easy to use, and great for beginners. You can practice reading, writing, and listening. May lack depth in grammar and cultural context. HelloTalk A language exchange app that allows you to practice with native speakers. It has text, voice, and video messaging functions. Provides real-time conversation practice with native speakers. It’s great for practicing speaking and writing. Language exchange can be inconsistent, depending on the partner. Anki (Korean Decks) Flashcard app with spaced repetition. You can download Korean decks or create your own flashcards. Highly customizable and effective for memorizing vocabulary and grammar points. Learning curve for setting it up and not as user-friendly as other apps. Naver Dictionary A Korean-English dictionary with example sentences, word definitions, audio pronunciations, and language tips. A comprehensive dictionary with up-to-date slang and idiomatic expressions. Not an app for structured learning, but excellent for looking up words and phrases. Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK) A comprehensive platform with lessons ranging from beginner to advanced, covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights. Clear explanations of Korean grammar and structured lessons. Available as an app and website. Full access requires a paid membership for advanced content. Drops Visual and fast-paced vocabulary building. Lessons are focused on learning new words through images and quick exercises. Beautiful design, engaging for short, daily vocabulary drills. It doesn’t cover grammar or conversational skills deeply. Mondly Lessons focused on vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills with interactive exercises. Well-rounded for beginners with daily lessons and speech recognition to improve pronunciation. More suited for beginners and lacks depth for intermediate and advanced learners.
Each of these apps offers unique benefits, so the choice depends on your learning goals—whether you want to focus on grammar, vocabulary, or conversation skills. Many learners find that combining two or more apps helps create a well-rounded learning experience.
Want to get free resources from us? Click here to download free PDFs of Basic Korean Vocabulary.
Where can I learn the Korean language in India?
There are several places in India where you can learn the Korean language, including language institutes, cultural centers, and universities. Here are some of the top options.
| Institute | Location | Details | Program | Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) | Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi | This is one of the most prominent centers for learning Korean in India. The KCCI offers various levels of Korean language courses, cultural programs, and events that help students immerse in the language and culture. | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Levels | ₹15,000-17,500 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | It is known for its School of Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies, and offers in-depth courses on Korean language, literature, and culture. | BA, MA | ₹200-500 |
| University of Delhi | Delhi | The Department of East Asian Studies offers various programs.This is a great option for students looking to study Korean in an academic setting. | Certificate, Diploma, BA, MA | ₹7,000-21,000 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | he university’s Department of Foreign Languages offers quality instruction in Korean for both beginners and advanced learners. | Diploma and certificate | _ |
| King Sejong Institute (KSI) | Chennai, Patna, Imphal, Barasat | The King Sejong Institute (KSI) is an organization that teaches Korean language and culture to people who want to learn it as a second or foreign language. | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Levels (3 months – 1 year) | ₹3,500-15,000 |
| The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) | Hyderabad | This university offers a Korean language program through its Department of Asian Languages. | Certificate (1 year) | _ |
Best Place to learn the Korean language in India?
The best place to learn the Korean language in India depends on your learning preferences, location, and goals. However, according to my Korean language learning journey, one of the most well-regarded and comprehensive institutions is the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) in New Delhi.
Why I Prefer KCCI:
- Official Korean Government Support: KCCI is directly affiliated with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and operates under the guidance of the Korean government. This ensures that the curriculum is well-structured and aligns with global standards for learning Korean.
- Experienced Native Instructors: Classes are taught by qualified native Korean teachers, ensuring authenticity and high-quality language education.
- Levels from Beginner to Advanced: KCCI offers courses from basic to advanced levels, including TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) preparation. This makes it suitable for everyone, from beginners to those wanting to achieve fluency.
- Cultural Immersion: KCCI not only offers language courses but also hosts cultural programs, workshops, Korean movie screenings, and K-pop events. This helps learners gain deeper cultural insights, which is essential for mastering a language.
- Affordable Courses: The fees are quite reasonable compared to private institutes, making it accessible to a wider range of learners.
- Official Certifications: Upon completing courses, you receive certifications that are recognized internationally.
Other Top Recommendations:
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): Known for its excellent academic environment, JNU offers degree programs in Korean language and culture. It’s ideal for students who want to pursue in-depth studies or a career in Korean language.
In my personal experience, for a balance of high-quality instruction, cultural experience, and formal certification, the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) in New Delhi stands out as the best option. I started my Korean language learning journey at KCCI and they organize many events where you can also participate and enjoy firsthand Korean culture and traditions. So from my experience, you can start your Korean studies from here but if you want to pursue higher education in the Korean language, you can opt for JNU and Delhi University which offer Korean language courses. And depending on where you reside you can decide for yourself by analyzing the data given about Korean institutes in India.
Master the foundation of the Korean language: Hangul/ Korean Alphabet System with our Workbook~ Click here to grab our Let’s Learn Hangul Workbook.
How is the Korean language Similar To the Indian language?
As you know Korean is similar to Indian languages like Hindi and Tamil. I also learned Korean by relating to the sounds of the Korean alphabet- Hangeul by associating with similar sounds in the Hindi alphabet. That made it easy for me to learn the Korean alphabet.
It is said that Korean alphabets are so simple and easy to learn that you can learn them in just 10 minutes.
Korean and Indian languages (which include a variety of languages spoken in India, such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and others) come from different language families, but they share several interesting similarities, especially when you compare structural aspects and cultural influences. Here are some ways in which the Korean language is similar to Indian languages:
1. Honorifics and Politeness Levels
- Korean: Korean uses a complex system of honorifics and different levels of formality in speech. The language changes based on who you’re speaking to, considering factors like age, social status, and familiarity. For example, different verb endings are used to show respect, such as “하세요” (formal) vs. “해” (informal).
- Indian Languages: Many Indian languages, such as Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali, also have a system of honorifics and formality. For example, in Hindi, you would use “आप” (aap) for formal/respectful “you” and “तुम” (tum) or “तू” (tu) for informal or close relationships. Verb conjugations and pronouns change depending on the social relationship between speakers.
2. Postpositional Markers
- Korean: Korean is a postpositional language, meaning that particles or markers are placed after nouns to indicate their grammatical roles (subject, object, etc.). For instance, 이/가 marks the subject, and 을/를 marks the object.
- Indian Languages: Several Indian languages, like Hindi and Tamil, also use postpositions (rather than prepositions). In Hindi, for example, you might say “मैं स्कूल में हूँ” (I am in school), where the marker में (mein) follows the noun “school.”
3. Sentence Structure (SOV)
- Korean: Korean follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) sentence structure. For example, “I apples eat” (나는 사과를 먹는다).
- Indian Languages: Many Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali, also follow an SOV structure. For instance, in Hindi, “मैं सेब खाता हूँ” (Main seb khata hoon) translates to “I apples eat.”
4. Agglutination
- Korean: Korean is an agglutinative language, meaning that affixes (such as verb endings) are attached to a root word to express tense, mood, politeness, and other grammatical categories. For example, “먹어요” (meogeoyo, to eat) can change to “먹었습니다” (meogeotseumnida, ate) with various suffixes added.
- Indian Languages: Some Indian languages, like Tamil and Kannada, are also agglutinative. In Tamil, for example, you have root verbs that take various suffixes to indicate tense, mood, and respect, just like in Korean.
5. No Articles
- Korean: Korean does not have articles like “a,” “an,” or “the.” Instead, specificity is inferred from context, or markers can be added for emphasis.
- Indian Languages: Many Indian languages, including Hindi and Tamil, do not have articles either. Like in Korean, the context or additional markers clarify whether the noun is definite or indefinite.
6. Respect for Elders
- Korean: In Korean culture, respect for elders and people of higher status is deeply embedded in the language. Politeness forms of speech and honorifics are an integral part of communication.
- Indian Languages: Similarly, in Indian languages, especially in cultures across India, respect for elders is crucial. Different pronouns and verb forms are used when addressing elders or authority figures. In Hindi, for example, “aap” (आप) is used for respect, while “tum” (तुम) is more informal.
7. Loanwords from Classical Languages
- Korean: A significant portion of the Korean vocabulary comes from Classical Chinese (Sino-Korean words). While modern Korean has its own alphabet, the influence of Chinese characters remains strong in formal vocabulary and older texts.
- Indian Languages: Similarly, many Indian languages have a strong influence from Sanskrit or Persian/Arabic (depending on the region and the language). For example, in Hindi, many formal or academic words are derived from Sanskrit, while words related to administration or governance often come from Persian/Arabic.
8. Conjugation Based on Formality
- Korean: Korean verbs change based on the level of formality. For example, the verb “to eat” could be conjugated as 먹어요 (informal polite) or 드시다 (honorific polite).
- Indian Languages: Similarly, Indian languages like Hindi or Tamil change verb forms based on the formality and social relationship. For instance, in Hindi, the verb “to eat” can be conjugated as “खाना” (khana) or “खाइए” (khaaiye) in more formal situations.
9. Onomatopoeia and Sound Symbolism
- Korean: Korean makes extensive use of onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds) and mimetics (words that describe sensory actions or states). For example, “반짝반짝” (banjjak-banjjak) is used to describe something that twinkles or shines.
- Indian Languages: Many Indian languages, including Hindi and Bengali, also have a rich use of onomatopoeia and symbolic sound words. For instance, Hindi has words like “टप-टप” (tap-tap) to describe the sound of dripping water.
10. Cultural Influence on Language
- Korean: Korean language is deeply intertwined with Korean culture, from traditions to social etiquette. Terms of respect, family roles, and food are key areas where language reflects cultural values.
- Indian Languages: Indian languages similarly reflect the culture. The diversity of India’s languages brings unique cultural elements into each language, like food-related vocabulary, religious terms, and respect for family roles.
11. Lack of Gender Agreement (in Some Indian Languages)
- Korean: Korean does not have grammatical gender. Nouns and adjectives do not change based on gender.
- Indian Languages: Some Indian languages, such as Tamil, do not have grammatical gender in the same way as languages like Hindi or Marathi. However, languages like Hindi do have gendered nouns and adjectives.
Some Differences to Note:
Despite these similarities, there are significant differences as well. For instance, Korean uses Hangul as its writing system, while Indian languages use various scripts like Devanagari (for Hindi) and Tamil script (for Tamil). Additionally, Korean is a member of the Korean language family, whereas most Indian languages come from the Indo-Aryan or Dravidian families, making them distinct in terms of grammar and vocabulary origin.
In summary, while Korean and Indian languages belong to different linguistic families, they share interesting similarities in sentence structure, respect-based communication, formality levels, and agglutination, reflecting similar cultural values.
Is it hard for Indians to learn the Korean language?
Not really if you find useful resources to learn the Korean language. Since the grammar structure is quite similar in Korean and Indian languages (Hindi and Tamil). It’s not that hard to learn the foundation grammar and phrases of the Korean language.
How to learn the Korean language for Beginners?
Start by learning the Korean alphabet which is called Hangeul. Hangeul is said to be one of the easiest alphabet systems to learn.
Now learn the most simple and efficient Korean vocabularies by heart.
Move up to forming sentences with the help of Korean grammar. Beginner Korean grammar is easy and similar sentence structure to Hindi grammar.
After solidifying your grasp on Basic Korean grammar, start learning Intermediate Korean grammar and vocabulary together and go up and up since languages have so many things to learn.
Give TOPIK examination to find your Korean language level and find new career opportunities if you’re higher level.
Is the Korean language helpful in going to South Korea for studies?
- No, that is not entirely accurate. The requirements for admission to a Korean university can vary depending on the specific university and program. Here are some key points regarding admission requirements for international students:
- Language Requirements: Most Korean universities will require international students to demonstrate proficiency in the Korean language, typically through passing a Korean language proficiency test, such as the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean). The required TOPIK level can range from level 3 to level 6, depending on the university and program. However, it is not always necessary to complete 4 semesters of Korean language study in your home country before applying. Many universities offer intensive Korean language programs on-campus that can help international students achieve the required language proficiency.
- Academic Requirements: In addition to language requirements, Korean universities will also consider an applicant’s academic background, including their high school or university transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE), and any relevant work experience or extracurricular activities.
- Application Process: The application process for international students can vary, but typically involves submitting an application form, transcripts, language proficiency test scores, and other supporting documents. The application deadlines and required documents can differ across universities, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for the university and program you are interested in.
- Preparatory Programs: Some Korean universities offer preparatory programs or foundation courses for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements. These programs can help students improve their Korean language skills and academic preparation before enrolling in the main university program.
- It’s recommended to research the specific admission requirements for the Korean universities and programs you are interested in, as the criteria can vary. Additionally, consulting with the university’s international admissions office or a study abroad advisor can provide more detailed and up-to-date information on the application process.
Hope this post helps you find the answers you were looking for 🙂
Want to get free resources from us? Click here to download free PDFs of Basic Korean Vocabulary.
